"I equate those victories this spring with a Tour de France" - Tadej Pogacar delighted by dominant Classics season

Tadej Pogacar has enjoyed an impressive spring Classics season. Victories at each of the Tour of Flanders, the Amstel Gold Race and La Fleche Wallone, the Slovenian has revealed he puts these wins on the same level as his pair of Tour de France successes.

"'I really enjoyed it and I definitely want to do this program again in the future," the 24-year-old UAE Team Emirates leader reveals in discussion with Het Nieuwsblad. "Those victories were unexpected, I never dared to dream that I could win all those beautiful classics. I equate those victories this spring with a Tour victory, I am very proud of that."

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PREVIEW | Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2023 - Will Tadej Pogacar conquer the Ardennes triptych or will Remco Evenepoel defend his title?

This Sunday, Pogacar will attempt to complete his hat-trick of Ardennes Classic wins at Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Slovenian is excited to test himself against the reigning world road race champion Remco Evenepoel for the first time this year. “We haven't raced against each other much yet. I have a lot of respect for him and I'm sure it will be a fun battle," says Pogacar. "I hope we both have a great day. He is a great rider with many qualities. I would like to have his aerodynamics, he can drive incredibly fast on the flat.”

"I'm going to try to arrive alone, that's the easiest way. I have noticed that Remco is quite fast. That was never noticed before because he always arrived solo," Pogacar continues alluding to his race tactics. "If we have to sprint against each other on Sunday, I don't know who will win. That will certainly be interesting. Although I realize that our team will have to control the course. We want to make the race tough on the climbs. The final can explode early, we'll see."

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"If there is one person from whom we can expect a counterweight to Pogacar, it is Evenepoel" - José de Cauwer